Deluxe Holiday Homes leads UAE hospitality by accepting Russian MIR Cards, offering seamless bookings for Russian tourists in Dubai’s luxury accommodations.

Deluxe Holiday Homes, a pioneering hospitality firm in the UAE, has set a new precedent by integrating Russian MIR Cards into its payment system. This strategic move, in collaboration with Russian travel agencies, offers Russian tourists a smooth transaction process, enabling them to reserve luxury apartments and villas effortlessly using their MIR Cards.

Recent data from the Dubai Economy & Tourism Ministry reveals a remarkable upswing in Russian tourist numbers in Dubai. From January to October 2023, the city saw an influx of over 1.8 million visitors from Russia, making Russia the fourth-largest contributor to Dubai’s tourism sector. This surge underscores Dubai’s allure as a premier global travel destination and reflects the city’s varied attractions and its status as a key player in international tourism.

The integration of MIR Cards significantly eases the financial concerns of Russian visitors who previously grappled with currency conversion issues. Now, for both business and leisure, these travelers can enjoy the convenience and security of using their MIR Cards at Deluxe Holiday Homes.

The MIR payment system, introduced by the Central Bank of Russia in 2017, has gained traction within Russia and 12 other nations, including Armenia and Vietnam. With over 113.6 million cards issued by late 2021, MIR Cards are increasingly becoming a popular payment choice for Russians.

Deluxe Holiday Homes’ acceptance of MIR Cards distinguishes it in the UAE’s hospitality sector, especially considering the current Western sanctions. This move not only caters to the needs of Russian visitors but also positions the company ahead in the market.

Beyond MIR Cards, Deluxe Holiday Homes accommodates various payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, providing clients with ample flexibility during the booking process.

As Dubai’s leading holiday homes operator, Deluxe Holiday Homes boasts a vast portfolio of over 650 luxurious, fully serviced properties located in prime areas such as Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai, covering more than 35 vibrant communities.

With a record of hosting over 100,000 guests, Deluxe Holiday Homes has become a top choice for those seeking short-term, high-end accommodation. The company’s range of upscale apartments and villas meets the high standards of guests who value luxury, comfort, and convenience.

For Russian travelers, the adoption of MIR Cards by Deluxe Holiday Homes marks a significant shift, offering a streamlined and secure booking experience. Committed to excellence and innovation, Deluxe Holiday Homes continues to elevate the hospitality industry’s benchmarks.

At the Indian Institute of Technology’s (Delhi) Research & Innovation Park, Mr. Vikas Gupta and Mr. Ringlarei Pamei, the founders of the creative electric vehicle (EV) startup Creatara, finally unveiled their vehicle concepts officially, the VS4 and VM4. 

Redefining urban travel with a blend of safety, customization, and cutting-edge technology, Creatara represents a major turning point in the electric vehicle market.

With an annual growth rate of more than 20%, the Indian market for electric vehicles is growing rapidly. The market relating to electric motorcycles and scooters was valued at USD 893 million back in the year 2022. This is, however, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.30% to USD 6,161 million by 2030.

Creatara joins this expanding market driven by rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and government initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which attempts to electrify 30% of India’s vehicle fleet by 2030. Investing now is highly recommended, as the industry’s market size is predicted to reach over USD 2.92 billion by 2032, up from USD 1.18 billion in 2023.

Safety is one of the primary concerns when it comes to vehicles. Creatara has kept that in mind and has a market differentiator like safe-start technology, which prevents unintentional or unauthorized acceleration by requiring a minimum rider weight to initiate the vehicle. This further minimizes the risk of overheating, which is decreased by effective passive battery pack cooling. Features like these offer peace of mind to the riders.

India-centric Creatara’s design is meticulously tailored to the various terrains and usage scenarios in India. Its state-of-the-art sensors and GPS tracking enhance rider safety and awareness by blending in seamlessly.

The modular vehicle platform of the e-bike is an essential part of its design. The most recent Moto-Cross variant, the VM4, exemplifies its versatility with features like high ground clearance, extended suspension travel, and specially designed panels for rough terrain and hilly navigation. 

An e-bike offers customization options unmatched by any other product on the market, thanks to unprecedented levels of customization and enhancement that are unheard of in the automotive industry. This modular design and unparalleled customization options demonstrate Creatara’s commitment to accommodating each rider’s unique preferences.

In 2024, TripGenie revolutionizes travel with AI, creating personalized itineraries and swift bookings on Trip.com, reshaping the world travel experience.

As we step into 2024, the travel landscape is witnessing a dramatic shift, largely fueled by the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). At the forefront of this change is TripGenie, an advanced AI travel assistant, seamlessly integrated into the Trip.com mobile app. Launched in 2023, TripGenie leverages state-of-the-art large language model technologies to emerge as a personalized travel companion, redefining the way we plan our journeys.

TripGenie has transformed the world travel planning process. It enables users to craft bespoke itineraries, facilitates instant bookings, and delivers rapid responses to queries. For example, asking TripGenie, “How do I plan a 5-day trip to Bangkok?” yields a swift and personalized response. The AI assistant crafts an editable inquiry in under a minute, recommending tourist spots, shopping destinations, and providing booking links, images, and city maps.

In the latter part of 2023, TripGenie’s user searches revealed an increased interest in content related to “travel guide”, indicating a surge in the demand for comprehensive travel-related information. Other frequently searched topics included “flight”, “hotel”, “itineraries”, and “attractions”.

Trip.com didn’t stop at TripGenie. The company expanded its AI offerings with curated lists that enhance the booking experience. These include “Trip.Best” for top travel options, “Trip.Deals” showcasing the best flights and accommodation deals, and “Trip.Trends”, which features popular travel topics and events based on user searches. These lists are finely tuned to user preferences, derived from real-time data, offering a sneak peek into the future of travel planning.

An interesting insight from the “Trip.Deals” list is the global users’ preference for top destinations, which include London, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Paris, and Hong Kong. This reflects the significant influence of AI in shaping travel trends and preferences in 2024.

In summary, the integration of AI in travel planning, exemplified by TripGenie and enhanced by Trip.com’s innovative AI tools, marks a new era in personalized and efficient travel planning. This is paving the way for an exciting and highly tailored future in the travel industry.

Adcomm MDU partners with Servicebots to bring AI-driven contact center services across North America, revolutionizing customer interactions.

Adcomm MDU Services, LLC, renowned for its expertise in providing comprehensive TV and high-speed internet solutions through state-of-the-art all-fiber networks to various sectors including residential complexes, hospitality, and healthcare facilities, has recently forged a strategic alliance with Servicebots. This collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge AI-driven contact center capabilities across North America.

Servicebots, LLC, with its revolutionary “Intelligent Contact Platform,” revolutionizes customer interactions. This platform is equipped with Omnichannel Intelligent Virtual Agents that offer immediate, round-the-clock service without the need for human assistance. Additionally, its Intelligent Virtual Co-pilots provide real-time guidance to live agents during calls. These co-pilots leverage AI-driven conversational analytics to ensure optimal customer engagements.

The array of services provided by Servicebots’ AI technology spans across various domains including contact center management, billing, collections, enhancing customer satisfaction, detailed call analytics, efficient scheduling, reminders, seamless CRM integration, and comprehensive customer support.

Jason Cohen, CEO of Adcomm MDU, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in customer service. He emphasized that AI-driven systems can outperform traditional methods by offering efficient, cost-effective, and continuous support. This technology not only enhances customer experience through real-time data analysis and performance tracking but also drives down operational costs as the AI systems progressively evolve in understanding client needs.

Adcomm’s collaboration with Servicebots extends beyond partnership; they are also a client, utilizing Servicebots’ services for enhanced customer follow-up and collection services. This partnership presents a financially viable solution for augmenting or replacing conventional contact center services. It caters to a wide range of sectors including ISPs, telecommunications, IT firms, hotel chains, healthcare organizations, legal services, insurance companies, developers, property management firms, and many others.

Carlos Rojas, CEO of Servicebots, acknowledged Adcomm MDU as a vital partner in boosting Servicebots’ market presence in the United States. He recognized Adcomm’s extensive experience and network as pivotal in reaching a diverse array of businesses that could benefit from AI services. Rojas expressed eagerness to expand their services further in both the US and Canadian markets through this collaboration.

In 2022, we witnessed a resurgence in travel, and the year 2023 has propelled us even further beyond conventional boundaries. It’s been a remarkable journey towards achieving unparalleled levels of connectivity and efficiency. The success story of IntrCity SmartBus network perfectly encapsulates this transformation. Leveraging technology and consumer insights to expand its fleet, the company has achieved phenomenal financial growth in FY 23–24, poised to surpass revenues of 300 crore. Notably, there’s been an 80% increase in net contribution and the attainment of EBITDA-level profitability. This isn’t just a testament to improved customer-brand relationships but also underscores our financial resilience.

Our dedication to providing an efficient, eco-friendly, and customer-centric travel experience has driven us to become the world’s first mobility company to openly disclose our fleet’s on-time performance. We take pride in our dominant market presence on crucial routes in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, connecting with approximately 2.4 lakh travelers weekly and covering over 10 million passenger-seat-kilometers each month.

IntrCity boasts the nation’s youngest fleet, having added nearly 120 state-of-the-art buses this year alone. With plans to introduce an additional 250 buses in the upcoming year, our commitment to delivering exceptional service remains steadfast.

This remarkable progress underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing the inter-city bus travel experience. IntrCity has spearheaded industry innovations with in-bus telematics, live tracking, well-equipped washrooms, secure boarding lounges, and expertly trained crews. Our focus remains on advancing this journey of technology-driven growth and innovation as we move into 2024.

While the expansion of road networks has provided significant momentum to the industry at both national and state levels, the private bus sector has encountered challenges due to a complex regulatory environment and insufficient critical infrastructure necessary for consumer adoption. This includes private bus stations, fleet parking and maintenance facilities, and proper boarding/drop-off points for passengers. The majority of public spending is directed towards airport development, hindering the growth of the private inter-city bus segment. Simplifying policies concerning this sector could facilitate quicker adoption of public transport over private cars.

Our vision for the upcoming year is crystal clear: to craft a shared public travel realm that’s environmentally sustainable, efficient, accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone. We aim to set a new standard in the way inter-city travel is experienced and perceived in our daily lives.

AI Innovations Worldwide Corp., a leader in AI, unveils a strategy to revolutionize the sector with strategic investments and cutting-edge R&D.

AI Innovations Worldwide Corp. (Trading Symbol: WSCO), dedicated to spearheading progress in the artificial intelligence domain, announced its forward-looking strategy today, underscoring the crucial role its team plays in catalyzing sectoral breakthroughs. With a focus on shrewd investment decisions, strategic company acquisitions, and cutting-edge research, the firm is altering the conventional narrative in AI’s development, assimilation, and progression.

The CEO, Abhinav “Abe” Somani, elucidates the company’s vision: “Our foremost objective is to be at the forefront of AI’s evolution, with our team’s deep knowledge being key to achieving this. Our strategy hinges on forming alliances with, and investing in, enterprises that are leading the way in AI innovations, particularly in areas like generative AI, deep learning, and computer vision. Our approach seeks to empower originators and business founders, providing a more streamlined alternative to traditional funding avenues and offering a quicker route to financial returns.”

In highlighting the team’s strengths at AI Innovations Worldwide, Somani notes, “Our investment in AI is supported by our team’s exceptional industry insight and their commitment to the future. We are devoted to developing ethical AI, aspiring to create meaningful social impact. Our strategy involves embedding AI in various industries to improve daily life and business operations, backed by a team well-versed in both the AI sector and financial dynamics.”

The team at AI Innovations Worldwide, led by Somani, a seasoned technology entrepreneur with a rich history in investment banking and private equity at firms like Rothschild and ICV Partners, has a proven record in growing AI technology businesses over the last decade. Supported by two European family offices, the team brings together extensive practical experience in the emerging field of AI, along with robust financial insight and a thorough comprehension of the capital markets.

The company has formalized two intent letters, aiming to finalize them in the first quarter of 2024, and is currently assessing four more potential acquisition targets.

Formerly known as Wall Street Media Co. Inc., AI Innovations Worldwide currently operates under the ticker WSCO and is in the process of changing its ticker to GLAI, pending regulatory approval.

cheQin.club revolutionizes hotel booking with live negotiations, transforming travel into a thrilling, personalized journey.

A Fresh Take on Hotel Reservations: cheQin, a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip Group, is changing the traditional hotel booking landscape. This innovative service diverges from usual online reservation methods, offering an interactive experience where customers and hoteliers negotiate prices in real time, adding an exciting twist to the booking journey.

Beyond Simple Bookings: cheQin goes beyond conventional reservation services by providing a variety of options, suitable for all kinds of travelers – from brief getaways to extended holidays and group accommodations. It’s more than securing a lodging; it’s about shaping a personalized travel narrative.

Exciting Bargain-Driven Deals: The core attraction of cheQin is the thrill of live bargaining, reminiscent of traditional markets. This feature allows travelers access to the top five most competitive bids from hoteliers, ensuring a transparent and fair pricing structure without hidden fees.

Benefits for Hotel Owners: This platform is a boon for hotel proprietors as well. It offers a lively marketplace to respond directly to booking requests, competitively price their offerings, and achieve higher occupancy rates, all within a secure payment environment at the hotel.

Accommodations for Every Preference: cheQin’s diverse range includes options for every budget and taste, from modest rooms to opulent villas and seaside resorts, catering to every traveler’s needs.

User-Friendly Interface: Joining cheQin.club is straightforward for both travelers and hoteliers. The user-friendly dashboard lets hotel owners effortlessly handle inquiries and set comprehensive rates.

Equitable and Clear Pricing Model: cheQin distinguishes itself with a consistent 12% commission rate, in contrast to higher fees often seen on other platforms. This structure is advantageous for hotel owners, providing better visibility and direct payment methods, fostering trust and improved cash flow.

Revamping Last-Minute Bookings: cheQin changes the game for last-minute travel, encouraging spur-of-the-moment trips and assisting hotels in maintaining full occupancy without penalizing late bookings.

Elevating Booking Experiences: The platform enhances the booking experience with its interactive and dynamic real-time negotiation feature, going beyond basic one-click reservation systems.

In Summary: cheQin is more than a mere booking site; it’s a transformative force in the travel industry. Merging cutting-edge technology with negotiation skills, each booking becomes a victory, and every deal, a journey. This groundbreaking approach is reshaping the world of hospitality, making travel experiences more thrilling and tailor-made than ever before.

The House of Glenfiddich, a distinguished luxury lifestyle brand, unveils its captivating campaign titled ‘Where Next?’ This campaign is a tribute to indomitable individuals who have defied conventions and charted their own unique paths. It celebrates those who have fearlessly embraced uncertainty and navigated their journeys against all odds.

Crafted in collaboration with Havas Worldwide and Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, and supported by William Grant & Sons and DDB Mudramax, the limited series brings forth the remarkable stories of four luminaries: Sushmita Sen, Zoya Akhtar, Salim Merchant, and Vikas Khanna. These figures have continually pushed boundaries, embodying the spirit of exploration encapsulated in the question ‘Where Next?’. Their narratives symbolize resilience and determination, epitomizing the essence of achieving success.

Commenting on the campaign launch, Sachin Mehta, Country Director – India at William Grant & Sons Pvt Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to unveil the ‘Where Next?’ series – a series celebrating the remarkable journeys of extraordinary individuals who have navigated uncharted paths. At the House of Glenfiddich – Art, Travel & Beyond, we celebrate those who challenge norms, embracing vulnerability and continuously set new challenges for themselves. The Where Next campaign recognizes and honours this spirit of exploration and innovation. Through these captivating stories we aim to inspire the next gen of innovators to chart their unique paths of discovery.”

Sushmita Sen, Bollywood Actress, Entrepreneur, says, “I am honoured to be a part of the ‘Where Next?’ campaign by the House of Glenfiddich – Art, Travel & Beyond. This campaign perfectly encapsulates the essence of life by celebrating those who discovered the world beyond their comfort zone. One of the things I found to be incredibly significant that helped me get to where I am today was being able to do things on my own terms. I am excited to inspire the world with my journey and ask them ‘Where Next?’ as they create their extraordinary stories.”

Zoya Akhtar, Indian Film Director, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur, says “As a storyteller, I’ve always believed in exploring new narratives and pushing the creative boundary that’s been set. 
Being a part of the House of Glenfiddich’s ‘Where Next?’ campaign has been amazing as one gets very few chances to talk about this aspect of the journey, to discuss the essence of what it means when you say dare to dream.”

The sentiments echoed by Vikas Khanna, Indian Chef, Entrepreneur, “Where Next? is truly a question that I always have in my mind. As a chef, author and filmmaker, my journey has always been about the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. It all started with wondering what else I could do next. Because I knew if I stop evolving, I wouldn’t reach where I am today. Being recognized as a part of House of Glenfiddich’s campaign has been an incomparable experience, and I hope my story will help inspire others to constantly ask themselves the ‘Where Next?’ question!”

Salim Merchant, Music Composer, Entrepreneur, says “My life has been a beautiful journey of experimenting with diverse melodies and crafting music that touches every soul. ‘Where Next?’ campaign with its spirit of celebrating passion, mirrors the very essence of my musical pursuit. Being part of the campaign is a humbling experience, and I am excited to share my journey with the world. I hope it resonates with others, inspiring them to embark on their own creative journeys and pursue their passion.”

Exclusively available on Disney+ Hotstar, this four-part series, produced by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, delves into the journeys of these trailblazers. It highlights their unwavering passion, relentless pursuit of dreams, and the resilience to embrace new challenges. The inaugural episode, spotlighting Sushmita Sen’s extraordinary journey, premieres on December 29, 2023, followed by subsequent episodes in the ensuing weeks.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced its commitment to invest in Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of the Saudia Group. Previously recognized as Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries, Saudia Technic boasts a storied legacy in Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 1960s. Its wide-ranging services encompass crucial aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) segments such as line, base, components, and engines.

In collaboration with Saudia Group, PIF aims to elevate Saudia Technic into a premier national MRO entity. This endeavor involves substantial investments in infrastructure, operational enhancements, and capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning aviation market growth for the upcoming decade. Saudia Technic aspires to position itself as the preferred MRO choice for both domestic airlines and global partners seeking entry into the Saudi market.

The investment venture will spearhead the development of an expansive MRO village sprawling across approximately 1 million square meters in Jeddah. This ambitious project will include a cutting-edge jet propulsion center, propelling Saudia Technic to the forefront of the MRO landscape in the Middle East. The MRO village’s expansion will substantially augment hangar capacity and the number of component shops, strategically positioning Saudia Technic to meet the future surge in demand across line, base, engine, and component segments in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the construction and activation of an engine test cell within the MRO village will cater to advanced wide-body and narrow-body aircraft engines, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s MRO aspirations through 2030.

Raid Ismail, Co-Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF, said: “PIF continues to invest in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding sectors in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The investment in Saudia Technic is a significant milestone as we unlock capabilities, localize expertise and create a first-class, world-leading aviation sector in Saudi.”

Captain Fahd Cynndy, CEO of Saudia Technic, added: “This strategic investment by PIF underscores our commitment to becoming a leader in the aviation industry. We are excited to work alongside PIF in shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia and the region. Together, we aim to enhance our capabilities, drive innovation, and become the MRO of choice for airlines and partners worldwide.”

Saudi Arabia is steadfastly consolidating its stature as a global aviation hub, fostering new industry ecosystems and forging partnerships. PIF’s significant investments in the sector encompass plans for the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, targeting a capacity to accommodate 120 million travelers by 2030. Notable initiatives also include The Helicopter Company, dedicated to enhancing local connectivity and meeting the burgeoning demand in Saudi Arabia, as well as AviLease, an aircraft leasing company aimed at supporting the expansion of the country’s flourishing aviation ecosystem.

Vi, a leader in India’s telecom sector, unveils a game-changing international roaming campaign for affordable, unlimited global connectivity.

Vodafone Idea Limited, a collaborative venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group, stands as a frontrunner in India’s telecommunications sector. This leading telecom service provider offers comprehensive voice and data services across the nation, spanning 2G, 3G, and 4G platforms. In its latest initiative to enhance the international travel experience, Vi, a brand under Vodafone Idea Limited, has launched an innovative international roaming campaign.

This initiative is in line with Vi’s dedication to providing an uninterrupted and ‘Truly Unlimited International Roaming’ experience. Travelers can now enjoy unlimited free incoming calls while abroad. The Truly Unlimited International Roaming plans from Vi not only include unlimited free incoming calls but also offer unrestricted data and voice calling (outgoing) for Vi users traveling internationally.

Embracing a customer-oriented approach, Vi is making international roaming subscriptions more budget-friendly. The company’s latest offer emphasizes free incoming calls in over 100 countries, starting at a modest daily rate of Rs. 133. This rate is a key feature of their Rs. 3999 international roaming unlimited plan.

Vi’s efforts to offer unlimited data and call services extend to popular global destinations. Adding the Maldives to its list, Vi now serves the Indian population visiting this destination, alongside coverage in 105 countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Italy, Malaysia, Germany, Singapore, Brazil, and more.

The Maldives package from Vi, priced at Rs. 2999, includes 100 minutes (both outgoing and incoming), 5 GB of data, 10 outgoing SMS, free incoming SMS, and a validity of 10 days. Additional charges post the initial quota are nominal, with Rs 3 per minute for outgoing and incoming calls, Rs 35 per minute for calls to the rest of the world, Rs 1 per MB for additional data, and Rs 1 per SMS after the initial allowance.